Family Things To Do Rome

Family Things to Do

There is no denying that Rome is one of the most beautiful cities in the world - the famous Eternal City is home to endless attractions ranging from stunning landmarks to beautiful parks. Sightseeing and going to historical trips may be exciting for adults, but let’s face it - walking from one ancient Roman building to another may not be the most appealing activity for kids. Some would even think that touring around the world-famous tourist destination is anything but thrilling.

But Rome is for the whole family - it’s a great stop for family educational activities that combine art, culture and food! In fact, there are several exciting Rome attractions for kids that can also be enjoyed by the parents. With a little creativity and help from tour guides, you can find endless family things to do in Rome. Here we’ve rounded up some family activities that would make the trip to Eternal City a memorable time for everyone.

Visit St Peter's Basilica & Dome

Learn about the magnificent St. Peter’s colonnade and explore the stunning interior of the Basilica with a small group tour for families and kids in Rome. See the famous works of Michelangelo, and St. Peter’s statue. Kid-friendly tour guides hand out worksheets to kids to keep them entertained throughout the tour.

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Exploring Rome's extensive art collection and its standout landmarks begins with a tour of St. Peter's Basilica. With its vast landscape in the exterior, kids will have fun running around. Inside the famous location are statues and art masterpieces that would surely captivate both the art-inclined and the simply curious. Seeing the most significant artworks around the Basilica is a great teaching moment for parents and kids - especially those who love art. See some of the world-renowned creations like Michelangelo's Pieta, St. Peter's Baldachin and the chair of St. Peter.

Many locals have created ways to make a seemingly boring location more attractive to young tourists. Several walking tours provide children with folders and worksheets they can answer while on tour. Impressive guides are equipped with styles that will keep the kids engaged.

Make your family experience in St. Peter's Basilica a more memorable one by climbing up on the dome. As the world's tallest dome, people climb all the way to the top to have a glimpse of the fascinating view from above. Surely, kids will be so excited to see the top of the dome they won't even complain about the journey towards it. Don't forget to bring a camera along with you. The sight -- and the indescribable expressions your kids will surely have - just needs to be captured!

tips

To be a part of the Papal Audience, take note of the schedule of masses. The official list is here.
Though St. Peter's Basilica is a free attraction, visiting St. Peter's Dome requires a small admission fee.
Visit the dome during sunset. It offers beautiful views.

BASIC INFORMATION

Piazza San Pietro, 00120 Città del Vaticano, Vatican City

Free

Winter October - March: 7am - 6:30pm
Summer April - September: 7am - 7pm

Risorgimento - San Pietro

390669883731

www.vatican.va

Experience being a Gladiator at The Rome Gladiator School

Kids and adults alike can live the dream of becoming a Roman gladiator in one of the popular activities around the city - the Gladiator School. In this activity, kids and adults alike will learn about the Roman civilization, the role of gladiators, the fighting techniques of the ancient warriors and the brotherhood among the warriors. It’s a fun history trip for all ages.

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Gladiators are ancient superstars - not only are they the most skilled warriors, they kept Rome entertained with their bloody battles. Gladiators are one of Eternal City’s icons and experiencing their life for a day is one of the most popular activities in Rome. If you’re looking for kid-friendly activities in Rome, enrolling in a Gladiator school should be on top of your options.

Gladiator schools in Rome is for everyone in the family - most schools have activities for children and adults. Participants are introduced to basic Gladiator training including discipline and brotherhood. Feel battle-ready by learning about gladiator fighting techniques from members of the Historic Group of Rome. As a gladiator for one day, visitors will also get the chance to use traditional gladiator weapons and attires. With new skills in fighting and handling weapons, participants can channel their inner ancient warrior as they fight off lions and other gladiators.

At the end of the day, kids and adults can join in a friendly gladiator tournament. Winner gets a deserving prize. The school awards participants with a token and a certificate. A viewing platform is available to anyone who wants to see the classes. After the lessons in your chosen gladiator class, you can cap off your gladiator experience with a visit to Gladiator School of Rome Museum.

tips

Classes are open for both girls and boys.
Participants should be at least 6 years old.
Participants are encouraged to wear light and comfortable clothes since activities are done outdoors.
Physical activities are part of the experience. Make sure you and your children are physically capable to participate.

BASIC INFORMATION

Via Appia Antica, 18, 00179 Roma RM, Italy

Monday - Sunday: 9:30am - 7pm

Garbatela Subway Station

390651607951

www.gruppostoricoromano.it

Climb the Spanish Steps

Rome is full of beautiful landmarks that come with no entrance fee - one of them is the Spanish Steps. Here, families can enjoy various activities - adults can relax on the steps while kids can play in the nearby fountains. For more adventures, families can climb all the way up to Villa Borghese where they can enjoy biking around the park, and taking a boat ride down the villa’s lake.

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Today, the Spanish Steps is a favourite hangout place among tourists and Roman youth. Sitting on the steps is a great way to unwind and take in the hustle and bustle of the nearby Piazza de Spagna. While you’re here, take the time to mingle with other tourists. Leave the food though, since eating is strictly prohibited here. Don’t be surprised if every now and then, enormous cameras would suddenly pop up - the Spanish steps is still a favourite location of local and international filmmakers.

The beautiful staircase that connects Trinita dei Monti and Piazza de Spagna is one of the best places for family activities in Rome even though the attraction could mean differently to parents and kids. Children - with their sudden bursts of energy - won't be able to help but run up and down the staircase. Keep a better eye on them, though - the place can get really crowded. Visit the Spanish Steps around noon - around this time, the place is deserted - and have your family photos taken here. Located near Villa Borghese, the Spanish Steps is an attraction that is hard to miss.

Just a few steps away from Piazza de Spagna are some of Rome's most popular - and oldest! - gelaterias. What better way to end your Spanish Steps escapade than with a delicious serving of gelato?

tips

The Spanish Steps are accessible from morning until night, so you can always visit anytime you want. However, if you want to enjoy the attraction without the large crowds, visit between 7:00 to 9:00, 12:00 to 14:00, and 18:00 to 20:00.
The Spanish Steps are very popular during the Spring.
Climbing the entire 138 steps to the top may seem daunting at first, especially if you have kids with you. Take quick breaks and enjoy the view to ward off exhaustion.
To make your trip to the Spanish Steps more memorable, make a stop in one of the nearby restaurants, or head over to Via dei Condotti for shopping.

BASIC INFORMATION

Piazza di Spagna, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

Free

Always Open

Spagna Subway Station

www.turismoroma.it

The Vatican Museum

Avail of a family tour inside the Vatican Museum and get a chance to have a two-hour tour around the famous landmark. Family tours are simplified - explanations about art pieces on display are made to suit the taste of young kids. Activities and worksheets are also handed out to keep the kids engaged. This is a fun trip for families who want to join an educational tour with the kids.

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Despite the long lines in front of this famous attraction, tourists can still enjoy family activities inside the Vatican Museum thanks to organized semi-private tours - maximum of two families per session - designed for both kids and adults. Avail of this modified tour of the Vatican and have a great time discovering important masterpieces of Rome. No need to join the endless lines!

Tour guides - who know how quick it is for kids to get bored and impatient - are equipped with skills that will keep both the children and the parents engaged. Hear about amazing tales about the most iconic items of the Vatican, and the Papacy’s history, secrets, and traditions. Explore the fascinating Popemobile, the magical relics from Egypt, maps and creations from famous artists like Michelangelo. Show kids the whale painting of Michelangelo - it's one proof that even great artists make mistakes.

Special family tours of the Vatican Museum include stories, games and interactive help that will keep the kids' attention. Discovering the Eternal City through the Vatican Museum is a great educational activity in Rome. After your trip to the Vatican Museum and the Sistine Chapel, you will be given priority access to the beautiful St. Peter's Basilica where you can explore without the need of a guide.

tips

Make sure to dress appropriately to avoid the risk of being turned away.
Watch out for pickpockets.
Wear comfortable shoes.
Avoid bringing large backpacks. Security can be very tight.
Avoid visiting on a free Sunday.

BASIC INFORMATION

Viale Vaticano, 00165 Roma RM, Italy

Open tour of the Museums and Sistine Chapel
Full Ticket: € 17.00.
Reduced Ticket: € 8.00.
Online Booking Fee
Click here to see other tour packages.

From Monday to Saturday
09.00 a.m. – 06.00 p.m. (final entry 4.00 p.m.)
Every last Sunday of the month
(provided this does not coincide with Easter Sunday, 29 June Sts. Peter and Paul, 25 December Christmas Day, and 26 December Feast of St. Stephen)
09.00 a.m. – 02.00 p.m. (final entry 12.30 p.m.)

Valle Aurelia

390669884676

Visit the Famous Colosseum

Introduce kids to Rome’s history in a fun and interactive way by availing of The Colosseum Family Tour. A tour around the iconic landmark is led by a kid-friendly tour guide that explains the exciting things that transpired inside the Colosseum. If you’re planning to make an engaging history tour in one of your Rome family activities, a trip to the Colosseum is one of the best things to do.

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The Colosseum is an oval shaped Amphitheatre and is the largest ever to be built. Made of concrete and sand almost 2000 years ago. This Amphitheatre holds large amounts of history. Famously known for its Gladiatorial battles that were viewed by the Roman emperors as well as the public this arena has seen much death. Many slaves turned to gladiators fought out their lives here for the entertainment of the crowds. Although many think that this is all it was used for it was also used for public spectacles such as mock sea battles, animal hunts, dramas based on Classical mythology, executions and re-enactments of famous battles.

The construction of the Colosseum was started under the emperor Vespasian in AD 72 and completed by his successor emperor Titus in AD 80.

It is believed that the Colosseum held up to 80,000 people. Much later it was used for housing, quarters for a religious order, a fortress and a Christian Shrine.

Although the Colosseum is Partially destroyed due to earth quakes and robbers throughout history it still remains a huge symbol for the Roman Empire.

tips

Tickets to The Colosseum run out fast, so it’s better to book tickets online before visiting Rome. Tickets can be availed from getyourguide.com and rome-museum.com.
Make sure to read a little about The Colosseum to fully appreciate the attraction.
Carry and umbrella with you and wear comfortable shoes.

BASIC INFORMATION

Piazza del Colosseo, 1, 00184 Roma RM, Italy

Adults: € 12,00

Monday - Sunday: 8am - 7pm

Venezia Subway Station

390639967700

www.soprintendenzaspecialeroma.it

Throw a coin in the Trevi Fountain

What better way to introduce kids to the rich culture of Rome than making a stop at the Trevi Fountain? The traditional tossing of a coin in the fountain has become a rite of passage to many tourists - let your kids experience it while they’re young. Don’t miss the chance to throw coins simultaneously as a family so you can ensure a return to Rome!

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When the fountain was first constructed in 19 BC, its purpose was purely functional - to provide water to the Romans. However, a new tradition started - locals would throw coins to appease the gods. Today, tourists throw coins in to ensure a quick return to rome. Those looking for love can throw in a second coin.

The Trevi Fountain makes 3,000 euros daily. Where does the money go? Coins thrown in the fountain all goes to Caritas, a charity institution that provides food assistance to the poor. Sure, the shimmering coins are tempting but know that fishing money out of the fountain is a huge crime in Rome.

The fame of the Trevi Fountain is immortalized by Anita Ekberg’s cavorting scene in the hit movie La Dolce Vita. The fountain can get pretty busy during the day - it is suggested that visitors come during the night when hundreds of LED lights illuminate the place to perfection.

A trip to Trevi Fountain with kids is one of the best family activities to do in Rome. Not only will the kids be drawn to the enormous pool of water, they'll also be curious about how the fountain grants wishes. Throw coins together as a family for a more memorable Trevi Fountain experience.

tips

If you want to enjoy the Trevi Fountain without the large crowds, visit just after sunrise. The golden hue of the sun also helps create gorgeous photos.
The place is always packed. If you're visiting during the peak hours, always secure your belongings. The place is filled with pickpockets.
The fountain looks more majestic at night.

BASIC INFORMATION

Piazza di Trevi, 00187 Roma RM, Italy

Free

Always Open
Best time to visit early morning or late at night

Venezia

39060608

www.turismoroma.it

Villa Borghese Lake Boat Ride

The best thing about Rome is that the attractions are close to each other - you get to keep the attention of kids from one place to another. After frolicking on the Spanish Steps, one of the best family activities in Rome you can enjoy is to visit Villa Borghese. Just a short distance away from the steps, Villa Borghese offers some of the kid-friendly activities in Rome such as biking, picnics, and the popular boat ride around the lake. More peaceful than the rest of Rome, a boat ride around Villa Borghese's lake is a great way to spend some quiet family time.

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As one of the world's most historical places, Rome is a busy place. Everyday, hundreds of tourists flock to its most iconic attractions. The noise of the crowd plus the city's Mediterranean heat can easily make young tourists rowdy. What happens when the kids are sour? The entire mood of family time changes. If you're wondering if there's a place around the city to relax and cool down, you better check out Villa Borghese.

A place with sprawling lawns and a gorgeous little lake, Villa Borghese is Rome's hidden gem perfect for anyone who wants to take a break. The scenery surrounding the lake is inviting - give in and have a quick picnic on its well-manicured grass. Treat the kids to a boat ride around the lake. For only 3 euros per person, a family can enjoy twenty minutes worth of rowing all around the lake. While on the boat ride, you can row towards the Temple of Asclepius to get a closer look of the lake's centerpiece. You can also go on a boat contest with your spouse and kids. Give a friendly nod to the lovers rowing around the attraction.

A kind caretaker will shout out your boat number to tell you your time is done. After the boat ride, you can go on another one again - kids will surely ask for more - or buy some small treats from a nearby shop.

tips

Tours around the park are limited to a certain number. Make sure to book tickets in advance.
Cameras are not allowed inside the museums, but are allowed outside.
To visit more attractions, rent a bike outside the park.
Bring an umbrella.
Boat tours take a total of 20 minutes.

BASIC INFORMATION

Piazzale Napoleone 1, 00197 Roma RM, Italy

€ 3

Monday Closed
Tue-Sun 8:30AM–7:30PM

Arenula/cairoli

39060608

Visit the Bioparco di Roma

At one point in your Rome escapade, kids will get restless and bored - you just see them rolling their eyes on every attraction. Fortunately, the busy city has hidden gems that can make your family activities in Rome more enjoyable. One place to see is Bioparco di Roma. Located in the heart of Villa Borghese, a trip to Bioparco di Roma is a refreshing break for kids who are done with all the history and art tours. Watch their eyes light up as they see and interact with various animals in the zoo. Bioparco di Roma is a destination both parents and children will love.

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Bioparco di Roma is in the northern part of Villa Borghese. Considered as the oldest zoo in all of Rome, This 17-hectare zoological garden is home to more than 1000 animals belonging to more than 200 species from five different continents. For an affordable entrance fee of 16 euros per person, you can spend a total of 3 to 4 hours visiting from one animal section to another.

Some of the most notable animals on location include Egyptian turtles, dendrobates, leopards, lions, geckos, elephants, and boas from Madagascar. Just a few steps away from the zoo is a botanical garden which features a large collection of exotic floras and faunas. The bio park also organizes different activities like tours, workshops, animal feedings, and exhibits. If you want to take a break from sightseeing, you can settle in the park's large picnic place while kids can mingle with other young tourists in the children's play area. Cafes and restaurants are available inside the park.

tips

Suggested duration in this attraction is 3 to 4 hours.
There are no ticket lines here. You need to get a number from a staff member who will then put you on a queue for tickets.
Watch out for pickpockets.
The zoo is in a more secluded part of the city, so it isn't always included in most itineraries.

BASIC INFORMATION

Piazzale del Giardino Zoologico, 1, 00197 Roma RM, Italy

US$11-$16

Monday - Sunday: 9:30am - 6pm
Last admission 60 minutes before the park closing time

Valle Giulia Subway Station

063614015

www.bioparco.it

Rainbow MagicLand

Among all the family attractions in Rome, nothing comes close to keeping the kids excited all day long than Rainbow Magicland - an enormous amusement park located twenty minutes away from the historical part of the city. Built around one of the biggest lakes in the city, Rainbow Magicland lets you experience family activities in Rome - think of virtual coasters, roller coaster rides, and 5D video games - that both kids and adults will enjoy.

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Going from one historical attraction to another can make your kids bored - spending a day in Rainbow Magicland is a great way to get their vacation mood going.

A day in Rainbow Magicland starts with mouths wide open - the roller coaster, the ferris wheel and the enchanting castles are just too hard to ignore. The official welcome is given by the park’s mascot - the chubby, colorful cat Gattobaleno - who also helps tourists get into some attractions. As the name suggests, Rainbow Magicland aims to give a magical experience to its visitors. The 35 attractions are divided according to the age group it caters - little tykes can enjoy the magical fairylands of Pianeta Winx and Il Regno dei Piccoli while teens venture into car rides and 5D video games. Adrenaline-pumping activities await the family -experience the Mystika free fall and the thrill of Horror House Demonia.

Other notable attractions include a 750-meter speed ride called Shock, a ride through rough water in Il Rapide, the mysterious Cagliostro and the magical Maiso Houdini. To make your family experience in Rainbow Magicland more memorable, always check its official website for news and updates. Show schedules and availability of the attractions often change.

tips

Rainbow Magicland is an attraction 30 minutes away from Rome. This place can be accessed via train.
Some rides are not available during certain seasons. Make sure to check their website often for updates.
Come as early as 10:00 to avoid long queues.

BASIC INFORMATION

Via della Pace, 00038 Valmontone RM, Italy

Adult and child over 140cm tall: Fixed date = € 19.90 / Open Date = € 31.50
Child over 100cm tall and less that 1.40cm accompanied by an adult: Fixed date = € 19.90 / Open Date = € 26
Click here to see ther prices.

Monday - Sunday: 10am - 6pm

Valmontone Station

390695318700

www.magicland.it

Experience the Explora - Children's Museum Of Rome

Not all Rome museums are created equal - especially when it comes to keeping the attention of kids. Fortunately, just a short distance away from the famous Piazza del Popolo is Explora Children's Museum, a miniature, child-friendly city where kids can play pretend, interact with other young visitors, and be stimulated by various exhibits, displays, and activities. The Museo dei Bambini, a section at Explora, is a little town where kids can pretend to go shopping, do groceries, and visit a bank.

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Explore Children’s Museum is a place for young explorers where they are introduced to science and history in a fun, educational way. The museum lives by the motto “Living by Doing” and it continues to stay true to it by helping kids experience interactive daily activities such as working with different materials and tools. This museum offers an ideal setting that allows every age group to learn. Learning areas are divided into three sections - zero to three, three to six, and six to twelve. This assures parents that the activities given to kids are suited for them.

Most of the activities in the museum are centered on the environment, economy, latest technology and communications. Through interactive displays, children can freely discover new things. Temporary workshops and exhibits can be found on the first floor. Special activities for kids follow a schedule - they are usually available during Thursdays and Saturdays. There are no tour guides in the museum - visitors are allowed to choose activities and duration. Friendly English-speaking staff are ready to assist families especially with translating Iltalian instructions.

tips

Explora - Children's Museum in Rome is one of the most popular children's attractions in Rome. Come early to avoid large crowds.
Sessions take 2 to 3 hours.
During the weekend, kids can enjoy cooking sessions at an extra cost.

BASIC INFORMATION

Via Flaminia, 82, 00196 Roma RM, Italy

€5 to €10

Tuesday - Sunday:
1st round: 12.00 - 1.45 pm
2nd round: 12.00 - 1.45 pm
3rd round: 15.00 - 4.45 pm
4th Turn: 17.00 - 6.45pm
Monday 24 and 31 December 2018, as Monday, closed museum

ENTRANCE HOURS IN THE KITCHEN on
Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays, in the space adjacent to the exhibition pavilion, lasting 50 minutes, always consult the calendar FROM OCTOBER TO MAYround3.45pm - 4.35pm